Horizon reminds visitors to be cautious of spreading infection

(Horizon)January 19, 2015 - Horizon Health Network reminds the
public to refrain from visiting hospital patients if you are
exhibiting any signs of illness such as influenza or a
gastrointestinal virus. Signs and symptoms of influenza are cough,
fever, sore throat, muscle and joint pain. The symptoms associated
with a gastrointestinal virus are nausea, vomiting or
diarrhea.This is a proactive measure to
prevent the spread of illness in our hospitals and protect the
health of our patients and
staff.

The restriction does
not apply to patients who require assessment in the Emergency
Department, although we would remind you that for most viral
infections the best treatment is rest and adequate hydration. Other
services such as diagnostic testing or outpatient appointments
should be re-scheduled if non-urgent. If urgently required we ask
that persons follow infection control guidelines as outlined
below.

Everyone is asked to
clean their hands with the alcohol based hand rinse located at each
entrance when entering and leaving the hospital. Individuals who
are experiencing influenza symptoms and who must enter the hospital
are asked to put on a mask, which are available at our
entrances.

Be mindful of spreading
infection. If you are not feeling well, please do not visit
patients. Together we can help stop the spread of infection within
our hospitals and our community.